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Traffic Safety Programs

York Region has several programs and initiatives supporting traffic, cycling and pedestrian safety in which the City of Markham supports and participates.

York Region Traffic Safety Program York Region’s goal is to reduce the number and severity of collisions that happen on Regional roads. The safety of all Regional roads and intersections is assessed annually. Based on the results, York Region can see which roads and intersections can be improved. The findings are then used to make improvements, enforce the law, and develop programs and events to increase awareness and educate residents about what they can do to stay safe.

Pedestrians & Motorists – Let’s Work on Our Relationship York Region reminds pedestrians and cyclists to increase their visibility and motorists to be more alert to their surroundings. Shorter daylight hours, changing weather and reduced visibility can result in significant safety issues. The Region has released a series of videos aimed at educating the public and promoting a safe relationship between pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.

See Tracks, Think TRAIN!Railroad tracks are common in Markham. GO trains and freight trains frequent railway crossings daily on multiple track crossings. Trains rarely follow set schedules and the average freight train can take up to two kilometers to stop. In 2014, there were 180 crossing collisions resulting in 21 fatalities and 25 serious injuries across Canada mostly due to driver error. So if you see tracks, always expect a train!

Pledge to Ignore CampaignDistracted Driving is now the leading cause of accidents on roads in Ontario. The Pledge to Ignore campaign is designed to help save lives and means making a commitment to yourself or a loved one not to use your cell phone while driving or walking near traffic.

Cycling Education The School Cycling Education Program (BikeFest) and Junior Instructor Program teach safe cycling skills to elementary school and high school students in York Region. The programs are part of CAN-BIKE, the Canadian Cycling Association’s nationally-standardized cycling safety program.

Junior Instructor Program The Junior Instructor Program trains high school students to be junior CAN-BIKE instructors. Students who complete the training are certified as CAN-BIKE instructors and can teach younger students.

A classroom program will be available to those who do not bring their bicycles

CAN-BIKE is an independent program
The Cycling Canada’s CAN-BIKE program is a series of courses on all aspects of cycling safely and enjoyably on the road. Program development is coordinated through two national committees. Course delivery and administration takes place through CAN-BIKE Delivery Agents, such as provincial and territorial cycling associations, regional instructor committees, community associations, municipal departments, service groups and the efforts of individual instructors.